roll eyes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "roll eyes" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express annoyance, disbelief, or exasperation in response to something someone has said or done. Example: "When she suggested we start the project over from scratch, I couldn't help but roll my eyes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

As with any bit of political theatre, a lot of the drama is in the choreography: when to clap or look dour, stand up or roll eyes.

The Economist

Watch the clip here Funny how? Tell joke, laugh, tell joke, roll eyes, tell joke, grimace, tell joke … You get the idea.

The Guardian

When asked if runs by Butler and V.C.U. could change the selection process, Slive defended it with an answer that will roll eyes from the Big West to the America East.

The New York Times - Sports

However, note to self: Do not do other thing Mom did, which was, when child tries to redeem, roll eyes, act exasperated, ask if child thinks money grows on trees.

The New Yorker

But finding the best answers, considering each argument on its actual merits, is made more difficult when the issue is almost always framed this way: Do you favor the wild card, interleague play, realignment, awarding World Series home-field advantage to the league that wins the All-Star Game, etc., or are you (roll eyes here for effect) a "purist"?

The New York Times - Sports

(Bill Maher, roll eyes here).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

They made faces, rolled eyes.

The New Yorker

There were some rolled eyes.

The New York Times - Sports

There were chuckles and rolled eyes.

The New York Times - Arts

Cue rolled eyes across the dragons.

The Guardian

You roll your eyes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "roll eyes" to convey a non-verbal expression of annoyance, disbelief, or boredom. This is particularly effective in descriptive writing or dialogue.

Common error

Avoid using "roll eyes" too frequently as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Vary your descriptions of non-verbal cues to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "roll eyes" functions primarily as an idiomatic expression used to convey a non-verbal communication of annoyance, disbelief, or exasperation. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage as seen through various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "roll eyes" is a common and generally acceptable idiom used to non-verbally express annoyance, disbelief, or exasperation. Ludwig AI examples show its prevalence in news and media. While grammatically sound and widely understood, it's best to reserve this phrase for less formal contexts. For formal writing, consider using alternative phrases like "express disbelief" or "show exasperation" to convey similar sentiments with greater nuance and professionalism. Be mindful of overuse to maintain impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Show exasperation

Highlights the feeling of frustration, lacks the physical action.

Display annoyance

Emphasizes the feeling of irritation, not the physical expression.

Express disbelief

Focuses on conveying doubt rather than specific gesture.

Give a scornful look

Indicates contempt, a stronger emotion than simple annoyance.

Look askance

Shows disapproval or distrust, often subtly.

Make a face

A more generic term for showing disapproval or distaste.

Frown disapprovingly

Shows displeasure through a facial expression.

Sigh in resignation

Expresses acceptance of something unpleasant but inevitable.

Raise eyebrows

Indicates surprise or skepticism rather than annoyance.

Turn up one's nose

Expresses disdain or snobbishness.

FAQs

How can I use "roll eyes" in a sentence?

You can use "roll eyes" to describe someone's reaction to something they find annoying or unbelievable. For example: "When he started explaining his conspiracy theory, she couldn't help but roll her eyes."

What does it mean to "roll eyes"?

To "roll eyes" is a non-verbal expression that typically conveys feelings of annoyance, frustration, disbelief, or boredom. It involves rotating one's eyeballs upward or sideways, often as a silent signal of disapproval.

What can I say instead of "roll eyes"?

Alternatives include expressing "disbelief", showing "exasperation", or giving a "scornful look", depending on the specific emotion you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "roll eyes" in formal writing?

While "roll eyes" is widely understood, it's generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use more descriptive language to express the same sentiment, such as "showed their disapproval" or "expressed skepticism".